MEADOWS OF DAN, VIRGINIA—AERIAL, a contract manufacturer specializing in tactical and safety gear for military and commercial aviation, likes to have fun with its marketing. So, when company president, John Marcaccio decided to create a vehicle wrap for the company’s utility truck, he instructed his ad agency to come up with a design that would get people talking.

The result is AERIAL’s “Heli on Wheels,” featuring two life-size helicopter graphics that both integrate the cab of the truck as the cockpit of the helicopter---creating the effect of a helicopter driving down the road.

The driver’s side graphic shows an Army blackhawk with a side-door gunner who looks ready to take on passing vehicles. The passenger side shows a bright orange Coast Guard chopper with a rescue winch and crew. The back end is a view of the inside of military helicopter and gives approaching motorists a realistic view into the fuselage. The result is a vehicle that gets a lot of attention wherever it goes---especially at trade shows and aviation industry events.

According to Marcaccio, many passing motorists stare, honk or give the thumbs up sign. When it’s parked, people are constantly taking pictures. For an extra measure of fun, AERIAL sometimes outfits the truck’s driver with an authentic pilot’s helmet, goggles and all---which is a big hit, especially with kids in passing cars.

“We could have designed our truck with company logos or pictures of products like everyone else,” says Marcaccio, “but nobody would notice. I wanted something that people would remember. Our truck stands out from the pack---and that helps our company stand out.”